Have decided to stop the years-long lust for a Model of 1955 .45 ACP and consider the feasibility of adding an ACP cylinder to my M25-5 .45 Colt, if possible.

I know the cylinder window is bound to be larger/longer in my 25-5, but I will not be shooting any serious matches or anything with it. It'll be a fun gun.

Is this pretty much do-able without too much cost? Where would you start? Just did a quick surf of MidwayUSA and the only cylinder they have is a SS in .45 Colt.
Thanks all.

__________________
Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

I think you could have your current cylinder modified to accept 45ACP rounds with moon clips. This is the concept behind my new M627 Pro, which fires 38s and 357s either with or without moon clips.
Call the factory to discuss.

Maybe you should consider this, a dual 45ACP- 45LC conversion, you can fire the 45LC with or with out the moon clip,when using the 45ACP you need to use the moon clips.
I used TK Custom, their work was quick and of the highest quality, I highly recommend TK stainless moon clips, a little pricey but of extremely high quality. I got 5 in 45LC and 5 in 45ACP the total price was around $160.00. You will also need a tool to unload the moon clip, TW sells one for $20.The loading tool is useful but not total necessary.Welcome to TK Custom.com & Moonclips.com

One thing I need to warn you about,when I first attempted to load some 45LC cowboy ammo into the moon clips it would not fit, the tolerances of the clips were so tight I bent the moon clip.
After closer examination I realized that the grove in the brass that the clips fits into was very rough and full of raised and noticeably imperfections.
I purchased some higher quality ammo and no more problems.
This time I checked first to make sure the groves were clean and smooth .

I had thought of doing this myself. I was going to have a new cylinder converted, also by TKs, but have since sold my 25-5.

I had contacted S&W last year about a new cylinder (SKU #150256) fitting my 1980 25-5 and they responded with:

Hello,

The cylinder can be fit to the older models, they run $116.00.

Regards,

Paul Gazda

1-800-331-0852 Ext. 2905

Hope this helps.

Thanks all for the ideas - gives me somewhere to start.
I like the idea of keeping the gun un-modded if I can, so really like cobretti's idea. Thanks guys.

__________________
Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

I'd go with S&W doing the work & getting an entire new crane/cylinder assembly fitted in .45ACP that'll take 1/2 moon clips. That way you can go back to using .45Colt easily.............

I had the M28 I had converted to .45 Colt,1955 barrel, then got a .45ACP cylinder and had Austin Behlert do the work to fit everything right.
He then had it all armaloyed.
I like the idea of .45 Colt, 45ACP & 45 Autorim rounds.
HandLoad for all three.

VERY nice STCM!

__________________
Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

Been looking to do the same... but want interchangability. Called S&W and they said they are forbidden to change calibers on weapons. The ATF has an office at the facility, and they watch everything they do. I said... it's not really a caliber change, but any change is considered a caliber change.

So for those of you wishing to have S&W help... forget about it. Find a competent gunsmith elsewhere, and have them do it... if they are not fobidden as well.

You can actually buy nice 25-2's for about $900 average. And unless your 25-5 is a beater... should be able to come out on top by buying a nice used 45ACP and selling your Long Colt.

One reporters opinion...

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